The Legacy Project works nationally to increase awareness of and build support for HIV prevention and treatment clinical and behavioral research by addressing factors that influence participation of historically underrepresented communities.The Legacy Project achieves its core mission through ongoing and strategic engagement, collaboration, education, and scientific investigation. With a team of diverse, skilled and devoted staff, the Legacy Project works to cultivate and enhance partnerships and relationships among the National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks and research sites, research and academicinstitutions, governmental agencies, community-based organizations and affiliates, while ensuring a commitment to capacity building for communities and populations most impacted by the HIV epidemic in the United States.

MissionThe Legacy Project’s mission is to build trust and collaboration between historically underrepresented communities most impacted by the domestic HIV epidemic, researchers, and research institutions; enhance cultural competence; and initiate scientific investigation to increase clinical research participation.

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The Impact of HIV in the U.S.​

Young MSM, especially those of minority races and ethnicities, are at increased risk for HIV infection. In 2009, young MSM accounted for 27% of new HIV infections in the US and 69% of new HIV infections among persons aged 13–29. Among young black MSM, new HIV infections increased 48% from 2006 through 2009.

A CDC study of MSM in 15 cities found that 80% had not been reached in the past year by HIV interventions known to be most effective.

CDC’s new estimates show that Blacks bear the greatest burden of HIV. While Blacks represent approximately 14 percent of the total U.S. population, Blacks accounted for 44 percent of all new HIV infections in 2009. The HIV infection rate among Blacks in 2009 was almost eight times as high as that of Whites.

Black women are more affected by HIV than women of other races, accounting for 57 percent of all new HIV infections among women in 2009. The HIV infection rate among black women was 15 times that of white women.

Latinos represent approximately 16 percent of the total U.S. population, but accounted for 20 percent of all new HIV infections in 2009.

In 2009, latino men who have sex with men (MSM)3 accounted for 81% (6,000) of new HIV infections among all latino men and 20% among all MSM. Among latino MSM, 45% of new HIV infections occurred in those under age 30.

The HIV infection rate among latina women in 2009 was more than four times that of white women.

Seventy five percent (120) of the estimated 161 HIV diagnoses among AI/AN men in 2011 were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact. Sixty-three percent (32) of the estimated 51 HIV diagnoses among AI/AN women were attributed to heterosexual contact.

AI/ANs have a shorter life expectancy after an AIDS diagnosis than other racial/ethnic groups.

The Legacy Project’s activities will be guided by a Legacy Project Working Group and managed by Legacy Project leadership. An external group of advisors will provide periodic review of the scientific direction and review of Legacy Project activities and focus.